On Friday, June 26th, the FDNY Foundation joined the FDNY at a graduation ceremony for the graduating class of the Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety. The graduation ceremony took place at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island. This year, 68 students graduated. Their hard work, dedication and perseverance have led them to this important milestone.
The FDNY Foundation congratulates all of this year’s graduates! We wish them the best of luck as they continue on their journeys. The Capt. Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety and FDNY Youth EMS programs are largely funded by the FDNY Foundation. We are proud to continue to support these great programs! The High School aims to reach talented, dedicated young men and women, many of whom are looking for a career with the FDNY.
“Over the last four years, you have grown and learned so much from your teachers and FDNY instructors,” First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Flynn said during the commencement ceremony. “From math and history to CPR and EMT training, each of you has put in long hours of learning and studying to achieve your goals. You can now proudly say you are graduates of the FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety. Your school is named for one of New York City’s heroes—an FDNY leader and firefighter who gave his life saving others.”
“As we step into the next chapter, let’s carry the same courage and curiosity into everything we do. The world is waiting, and we’re ready,” said Dylan Cheung, who was the Class of 2026 Valedictorian. “This isn’t just the finale of our high school years; it’s a beginning for all of us—students, families, and educators alike—stepping boldly into a future we help to create together.”
The 2026 class is the 19th to graduate from the school. The graduates successfully completed a rigorous academic program that emphasized leadership and strength as core values along with the academic and physical skills necessary for emergency responders.
The FDNY High School, located in Brooklyn, aims to attract its students to future careers with the Department as firefighters, paramedics or EMTs. The high school is named for FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard, who was one of the 343 FDNY members who made the Supreme Sacrifice on September 11, 2001.